EVert's clay Head to heads

[BTURNER]

Here are the results of selective names vs Evert through her career. The blue represents a lost set. The bold a lost match.

Margaret Court 4-1
1970 Charlotte 7-6, 7-6
1972 Indianapolis SF 6-3, 7-6
1973 RG 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-4
1975 Rye NY 6-3, 6-3
Martina Navratilova 11-3
1973 St Petersburg SF 7-5, 6-3
1974 Rome 6-3, 6-3
1975 Amelia Island 7-5, 6-4
1975 Rome 6-1, 6-0
1975 RG 2-6, 6-2, 6-1
1975 US Open 6-4, 6-4
1981 Amelia Island 6-0, 6-0
1984 Amelia Island 6-2, 6-0
1984 RG 6-3, 6-1
1985 RG 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-5
1986 RG 2-6, 6-3, 6-3
1987 Houston 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4)
1987 RG 6-2,6-2
1988 Houston 6-0, 6-4
Billie Jean King6-0
1971 St Petersburg 6-7, 6-3, King ret.
1972 Fort Lauderdale 6-1, 6-0
1972 St Petersburg 6-2, 6-3
1972 Boca Raton 6-4, 6-2;
1977 Hilton head 6-0, 6-1
1977 US Open 6-2, 6-0
Evonne Goolagong 13-2
1972 Indianapolis F 7-6 (2), 6-1
1973 Sarasota 6-3, 6-2
1973 Miami Beach 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
1973 St. Petersburg 6-2, 0-6, 6-4
1973 Rome 7-6 (4), 6-0
1973 Cincinnati 6-2, 7-5
1974 Sarasota 6-4, 6-0
1974 Hilton Head 6-2, 6-1
1975 Amelia Island 6-1, 6-1
1975 Hilton head 6-1, 6-1
1975 US Open 5-7, 6-4, 6-2
1976 US Open 6-3, 6-0
1979 Indianapolis 6-4, 6-3
1982 Palm Beach 5-7, 6-1, 6-4
1983 RG 6-2, 6-2
Hana Mandlikova 8-1
1980 Rome 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
1980 RG 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-2
1981 RG 7-5, 6-4
1982 Rome 6-0, 6-3
1983 Amelia Island 6-1, 6-4
1983 RG 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
1985 Palm Beach 6-3, 6-3
1986 RG 6-1, 6-1
1987 Houston 6-3, 7-5
Tracy Austin 1-1
1978 Hilton Head 6-3, 6-1
1979 Rome 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4)
Andrea Jaeger 6-2
1980 Indianapolis 6-4, 6-3
1982 Palm Beach 6-1, 7-5
1982 Hilton head 6-1, 1-6, 6-2
1982 Amelia Island 6-3, 6-1
1982 RG 6-3, 6-1
1983 Palm springs 6-3, 6-3
1983 RG 6-3, 6-1
1984 Durban 6-3, 6-0
Rosie Casals 6-0
1973 Columbus,6-3, 7-6
1974 fort Lauderdale 6-0, 6-1
1974 Hilton Head 6-1, 6-0
1975 Amelia Island 6-1, 6-0
1975 Orlando 6-0, 6-2
1975 Hilton head 6-0, 6-1
Wendy Turnbull 5-0
1976 Amelia Island 6-2, 6-1
1977 Hilton Head 6-1, 6-0
1977 US Open 7-6 (3), 6-2
1979 RG 6-2, 6-0
1983 Palm Spring 6-1, 6-1
Helga Niessen Mastoff 5-0
1973 Miami Beach 7-6, 7-6
1973 RG 6-3, 6-3
1973 Rome 7-6, 6-4
1974 St. Petersburg 6-1, 6-1
1974 RG 7-5, 6-4
Francoise Durr4-0
1973 RG 6-1, 6-0
1973 Columbus 6-0, 6-2
1975 Amelia Island 6-2, 6-0
Nancy Richey 3-3
1970 Fort Lauderdale 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
1970 charlotte 6-4, 6-1
1972 St Petersburg 6-3, 6-4
1973 Boca Raton 6-3, 6-3
1975 Indianapolis 6-7, 7-5, 4-2 ret
1977 US Open 6-3, 6-0
Virginia Ruzizi11-0
1974 RG 6-2, 6-3
1974 Indianapolis 6-0, 6-1
1980 Rome 7-5, 6-2, 6-2
1981 Indianapolis 7-5, 6-1
1981 Amelia Island 6-0, 6-2
1981 Rome 6-1, 6-2
1981 Lutano 6-1, 6-1
1981 RG 6-4, 6-4
1981 Tokyo (fed cup) 6-1, 6-2
1982 Lugano 6-0, 6-1
1985 RG 6-2, 6-0
Mima Jausovec 6-0
1975 Rome 6-2, 6-0
1975 RG 6-2, 6-3
1977 Hilton head 6-3, 6-3
1978 Hilton Head 6-0, 6-1
1980 RG 6-0, 6-3
1983 RG 6-1, 6-2
Kohde- Kilch 3-0
1981 RG 6-3, 6-2
1984 Hilton Head 6-2, 6-3
1985 Amelia Island 5-7, 6-3, 6-2
Manuela Maleeva5-2
1984 Palm Beach 3-6, 6-3, 6-0
1984 Hilton Head 6-1, 4-6, 6-3
1984 Amelia Island 6-1, 6-1
1984 Rome 6-3, 6-3
1984 RG 3-6, 6-3, 6-2;
1986 Marco Island 6-2, 6-4
1987 Hilton Head 6-1 2-6, 7-6 (5)
Zina Garrison 2-1
1984 Hilton head 6-1, 6-4
1985 Amelia Island 6-4, 6-3
1988 Tampa 7-5, 6-2
Steffi Graf 2-1
1985 Hilton Head 6-2, 6-1
1985 RG 6-2, 6-3
1986 Hilton head 6-4, 7-5
Gabriella Sabatini 5-0
1985 Hilton Head 6-4, 6-0
1985 Amelia Island 6-1, 1-6, 6-3
1985 Berlin 6-4, 7-5
1985 RG 6-4,6-1
1986 RG 1-6, 6-3, 6-3
Arantxa Sanchez 1-1
1988 Tampa 7-6 (3), 6-4
1988 RG 6-3, 7-6 (4)
Monica Seles 0-1
1989 Houston 3-6, 6-1, 6-4[/C
Sue Barker 3-0
1975 Rome 6-1, 6-3
1976 U.S. Open 6-1, 6-0
1981 Federation Cup F W 6-2, 6-1
Carling Basset 4-0
1983 Amelia Island, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5
1984 Palm Beach, W 6-3, 6-3
1984 RG 4-6, 6-1, 6-0
1985 Palm Beach 6-2, 6-1
1986 RG 5-7, 6-2, 6-1
Sylvia Hanika 6-0
1979 Federation Cup 2R W 6-4, 6-2
1983 Amelia Island, FL QF W 6-3, 6-2
1984 Hilton Head, SC QF W 6-0, 6-1
1984 Amelia Island, FL QF W 6-1, 6-0
1986 Hilton Head, SC 2R W 7-6, 6-1
1988 Tampa, FL QF W 6-1, 6-0
Olga Morazova 5-0
1974 Sarasota, FL SF W 6-2, 6-0
1974 Italian Open SF W 6-1, 1-6, 6-0
1974 French Open F W 6-1, 6-2
1975 French Open SF W 6-4, 6-0
1979 Federation Cup SF W 6-4, 8-6
Virginia Wade 5-0
1973 FT Lauderdale 6-1, 6-2
1974 Hilton head 6-1, 6-3
1975 Rye NY 6-0, 6-1
1979 Palm Beach (wightman Cup)6-1, 6-1
1981 RG 6-3, 6-0

Only five women have repeated a victory. Goolagong 2, Richey 3, Navratilova 3, Jaeger 2, and Maleeva 2. Only won has a winning record Seles with one..

 

[babar]

In watching old matches of Evert vs. Navratilova, I am convinced that is the best tennis rivalry. Evert was a freakin' backboard. She was so precise and fluid. Her mental strength also seemed to be very tough. Those matches I've seen are just good tennis.

 

[suwanee4712]

Okay BTurner, you made me pull out some Evert clay matches, including one of my faves, the 87 Houston win over Martina 7-6 in the 3rd. When Chris is in command on a clay court, it's both masterful and a thing of beauty.

Others that I love watching:

82 Amelia F vs. Jaeger
82 Palm Beach Gardens vs. Goolagong
86 French SF vs. Mandlikova and F vs. Martina

I hate the lopsided result of the 86 French SF, but when Hana fell and reinjured her hand, Chris was very sweet. She walked around the net and put her arm around Hana. No one was going to beat Chris that day under any circumstances. The way she played that day and in the last 2 sets of the final, I consider that to be vintage Chrissie Clay Court Tennis.

Queen of Paris, Countess of Clay, Heroine of Har Tru!

 

[BTURNER]

Okay BTurner, you made me pull out some Evert clay matches, including one of my faves, the 87 Houston win over Martina 7-6 in the 3rd. When Chris is in command on a clay court, it's both masterful and a thing of beauty.

Others that I love watching:

82 Amelia F vs. Jaeger
82 Palm Beach Gardens vs. Goolagong
86 French SF vs. Mandlikova and F vs. Martina

I hate the lopsided result of the 86 French SF, but when Hana fell and reinjured her hand, Chris was very sweet. She walked around the net and put her arm around Hana. No one was going to beat Chris that day under any circumstances. The way she played that day and in the last 2 sets of the final, I consider that to be vintage Chrissie Clay Court Tennis.

Queen of Paris, Countess of Clay, Heroine of Har Tru!

It is fascinating to watch the creative/ innovative side of Evert blossom on a clay court. Typically Evert was one to practice patterns of shots, rather than shots in isolation. There was a clinical perfection to her game, where, even if you predicted what she might hit, she executed so well there was little to be done. If you began to read the patterns, she'd change things just enough.

On clay she was different, especially she was playing 'real competition' with lots of variety in their games like like Martina or Evonne, Jaeger or someone else who could test her. She had just enough time to really set up well for almost every shot, such innate confidence ,a total mastery of tactics. She'd throw her book of patterns away, and you'd see a little of the poet in her game. In some of the matches you mentioned, her tactical genius was decisive to the outcomes. Those opponents had no more clue what might come at them than she did. If you wonder how many different kinds of lobs, drop shots, angle volleys and different returns, there are in the sport, watching Evert on clay might give clues. It was like watching Billie Jean in her element - a masterclass was being taught .

 

[CEvertFan]

Okay BTurner, you made me pull out some Evert clay matches, including one of my faves, the 87 Houston win over Martina 7-6 in the 3rd. When Chris is in command on a clay court, it's both masterful and a thing of beauty.

Others that I love watching:

82 Amelia F vs. Jaeger
82 Palm Beach Gardens vs. Goolagong
86 French SF vs. Mandlikova and F vs. Martina

I hate the lopsided result of the 86 French SF, but when Hana fell and reinjured her hand, Chris was very sweet. She walked around the net and put her arm around Hana. No one was going to beat Chris that day under any circumstances. The way she played that day and in the last 2 sets of the final, I consider that to be vintage Chrissie Clay Court Tennis.

Queen of Paris, Countess of Clay, Heroine of Har Tru!

That Palm Beach match is of such high quality from both ladies - such a pleasure to watch and a personal favorite as well.


It's also interesting that Navratilova only ever beat Chris on clay 3 times but they were all rather routine straight setters.

 

[BTURNER]

That Palm Beach match is of such high quality from both ladies - such a pleasure to watch and a personal favorite as well.


It's also interesting that Navratilova only ever beat Chris on clay 3 times but they were all rather routine straight setters.

It is decidedly relevant to the Head to Head , that on the surface on which there is the greatest disparity represented as a percentage - clay - there is a gap from september US Open semifinal 1975 through Amelia Island in April 1984 including 40 matches, in which only one clay match , the 1981 Amelia Island final , was played. 8 grass matches are recorded in that time span. The rest of the forty will divide between carpet and hard courts, but only 1 clay court match in all those years. 8 years out of the 15, is one hell of a period to have only one dirt meeting, right in the middle.

 

[jaggy]

I am quite surprised to see she lost to Zina Garrison one time on clay.

 

[conway]

I am quite surprised to see she lost to Zina Garrison one time on clay.

Especialy coming in 85, which was Evert's best year of tennis of her career probably. I have only seen Zina play on clay a few times and was not remotedly impressed. Definitely her worst surface.

 

[jaggy]

The loss to Zina was in 85 in Amelia Island. In 84 Chris lost to Martina 2 and 0 at Amelia Island which was the fewest games she ever won against Martina on clay. Maybe it is a faster clay?

 

[conway]

No it was probably just a usual Zina who could barely keep a ball in court on clay and tried a bunch of stupid drop shots. 85 was probably a fluke day she played really well on clay somehow and Chris was probably also off.

 

[suwanee4712]

I regret that Martina and Chris never met at Hilton Head. The stadium court at Sea Pines was such a lovely court to watch a good match. I also wish that we could've seen a mid 80's matchup between the two at the old Foro Italico in Rome.

Martina's best tennis may not have been on clay necessarily, but she was a beautifully natural mover on it. And Chris was at her most comfy on the dirt allowing her to dig her heels in for the grimy, sweaty fight that she relished.

Oh well, I guess we'll just have to make do with those French Open classics that they played.

 

[suwanee4712]

That Palm Beach match is of such high quality from both ladies - such a pleasure to watch and a personal favorite as well.


It's also interesting that Navratilova only ever beat Chris on clay 3 times but they were all rather routine straight setters.

Geez! How could I forget the 75 US Open final with Evonne? It's Open time and I didn't list that match, but should've.

On your point about Martina, I think she knew that her best chance to best Chris on clay is to look for a slow start from Chris and overwhelm her quickly with aggression. Avoiding the long protracted battle with Chris on clay was preferable.

 

[AngieB]

I found an interview Tony Trabert did with Chris after her retirement. During that interview, Chris recalls being 15 years old in 1970 when she played a clay court tournament in Charlotte by invitation. She beat Francois Durr 6-0, 6-1, then defeated number one-ranked Margaret Court 7-6, 7-6 in the semifinals. Chris described the clay court competition at that time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi1kHrpJmjM

(4:22-5:05)

"In those days, it was a lot different. The women couldn't really play well on clay, with the exception of Nancy Richey."--Chris Evert

Put in context, I presume she was talking about the status of women's clay court tennis during 1970. Margaret defeated Chris in the 1973 French Open finals.

#PTL #ChrisClayPrincess

AngieB

 

[kiki]

A pitty Jaeger retired so soon, I could imagine her being Evert´s worst cc opponent from 1983 to 1986, when Graf was growing up but not good enough to beat Chris on clay solidly

 

[PDJ]

Fascinating stats. No one better on clay, and I'd chance my arm that no one will ever be.

 

[jrepac]

no matter how you look at it, Chrissie's results on clay are simply staggering. No one will ever approach it....you are talking 10 GS titles on the clay...in addition to all those match wins.

 

[Arafel]

no matter how you look at it, Chrissie's results on clay are simply staggering. No one will ever approach it....you are talking 10 GS titles on the clay...in addition to all those match wins.

Yes, she was truly the best ever on the surface. Here's a better stay:

Clay record 1974-June 1981: 189-1

That's right, one loss in eight years. That loss was in a third set breaker to Tracy Austin in the 1979 Italian Open.

 

[jaggy]

Yes, she was truly the best ever on the surface. Here's a better stay:

Clay record 1974-June 1981: 189-1

That's right, one loss in eight years. That loss was in a third set breaker to Tracy Austin in the 1979 Italian Open.

When you read it like that it is amazing

 

[Ironwood]

Really quite amazing head to head stats against the best players of her time. But, I remember reading some time ago, that she used to have trouble beating her brother John who never amounted to much more than a top college player.

 

[suwanee4712]

I have not seen it, but another impressive compilation would be Evert's record in her home state of Florida. Regardless of surface, she rarely lost in the Sunshine State.

 

[DMan]

No it was probably just a usual Zina who could barely keep a ball in court on clay and tried a bunch of stupid drop shots. 85 was probably a fluke day she played really well on clay somehow and Chris was probably also off.

That match was a true anomaly for Evert. And it really was because she was tired. Evert struggled to beat Sabatini in the QF. Then labored to beat Kohde Kilsch in a long 3 set semi. Then played a doubles semi after.

She was as flat as a pancake in the final.

 

[DMan]

It is decidedly relevant to the Head to Head , that on the surface on which there is the greatest disparity represented as a percentage - clay - there is a gap from september US Open semifinal 1975 through Amelia Island in April 1984 including 40 matches, in which only one clay match , the 1981 Amelia Island final , was played. 8 grass matches are recorded in that time span. The rest of the forty will divide between carpet and hard courts, but only 1 clay court match in all those years. 8 years out of the 15, is one hell of a period to have only one dirt meeting, right in the middle.

It is amazing that the 3 Navratilova wins over Evert were shockinlgy one sided. Chris hardly ever lost to anyone on any surface very badly. The Navratilova clay win scores were:

1984 Amelia Island 6-2,6-0
1984 Paris 6-3,6-1
1987 Paris (SF) 6-2,6-2

Those are beatings Chris inflicted on her chief rivals.

The Amelia island one was a shocker because it was Chris' first ever loss to Martina on clay and her first ever loss at Amelia Island. Also, Chris played well up until the final of that event. Martina was in the midst of her 74 match winning streak, but was really tested in that event, lucky to survive a thrilling match with Hana in the semis, 6-4 in the 3rd. I think Chris went into that match with little confidence, and once Martina got on top, quickly conceded.

The French final was pretty much a repeat of Amelia Island. And stunning that Chris did not win a single point on her own serve in the second set of that match!

The 1987 French semis was just one of those days for Chris - and not a good one. Even though Martina struggled in 1987 (hadn't won a tournament to that point) she played very well at the French, and nearly beat Graf in the finals.

==

It is quite interesting that there was a 6 year gap between Martina and Chris playing on clay. Granted from 1976-1978, both played WTT so that nixed the European clay swing. Martina lost early in the FCC in 1976 and 1978, denying two clay opportunities. And Martina lost 1R at 1976 Forest Hills. It would have been an interesting match in 1977 if Martina beat Turnbull in the semis. I think Chris would have won, but Martina was beginning to get her act together.

Of course, Martina avoided Chris on clay in 1979 and 1980 - not playing the European clay court tournaments. Martina played FCC in 1979 when Chris was off getting married. And she played Amelia Island in 1980 when Chris was having her little sabbatical. If Evert and Navratilova had met on clay any time between 1976-1980 their overall H2H record would be a lot closer, if not in Evert's favor.

They also did not meet on clay in 1983, which is a pity. Martina was unbeatable that year except for her loss to Horvath at the French. Chris was undefeated on clay in 1982-1983, except for the 2 losses to Jaeger at the FCC and French, when Martina beat Jaeger. A 1982 French final was a match I wish had occurred. The 1983 French final would have likely gone to Martina. Chris wasn't at her best in that event. She had no problem with Jausovec, because Mima, despite being a very good clay courter, couldn't really hurt her.

Four of Chris' six final wins against Martina came on clay: 1985 French, 1986 French, 1987 Houston, 1988 Houston. All were close matches except for the 1988 Houston final (6-0,6-4). At that stage Evert used all of her experience and patience to outlast Martina. Who I think knew deep down it was going to be far more difficult to beat Chris on clay if she wasn't 100% ready to do so.

 

[BTURNER]

It is amazing that the 3 Navratilova wins over Evert were shockinlgy one sided. Chris hardly ever lost to anyone on any surface very badly. The Navratilova clay win scores were:

1984 Amelia Island 6-2,6-0
1984 Paris 6-3,6-1
1987 Paris (SF) 6-2,6-2

Those are beatings Chris inflicted on her chief rivals.

The Amelia island one was a shocker because it was Chris' first ever loss to Martina on clay and her first ever loss at Amelia Island. Also, Chris played well up until the final of that event. Martina was in the midst of her 74 match winning streak, but was really tested in that event, lucky to survive a thrilling match with Hana in the semis, 6-4 in the 3rd. I think Chris went into that match with little confidence, and once Martina got on top, quickly conceded.

The French final was pretty much a repeat of Amelia Island. And stunning that Chris did not win a single point on her own serve in the second set of that match!

The 1987 French semis was just one of those days for Chris - and not a good one. Even though Martina struggled in 1987 (hadn't won a tournament to that point) she played very well at the French, and nearly beat Graf in the finals.

==

It is quite interesting that there was a 6 year gap between Martina and Chris playing on clay. Granted from 1976-1978, both played WTT so that nixed the European clay swing. Martina lost early in the FCC in 1976 and 1978, denying two clay opportunities. And Martina lost 1R at 1976 Forest Hills. It would have been an interesting match in 1977 if Martina beat Turnbull in the semis. I think Chris would have won, but Martina was beginning to get her act together.

Of course, Martina avoided Chris on clay in 1979 and 1980 - not playing the European clay court tournaments. Martina played FCC in 1979 when Chris was off getting married. And she played Amelia Island in 1980 when Chris was having her little sabbatical. If Evert and Navratilova had met on clay any time between 1976-1980 their overall H2H record would be a lot closer, if not in Evert's favor.

They also did not meet on clay in 1983, which is a pity. Martina was unbeatable that year except for her loss to Horvath at the French. Chris was undefeated on clay in 1982-1983, except for the 2 losses to Jaeger at the FCC and French, when Martina beat Jaeger. A 1982 French final was a match I wish had occurred. The 1983 French final would have likely gone to Martina. Chris wasn't at her best in that event. She had no problem with Jausovec, because Mima, despite being a very good clay courter, couldn't really hurt her.

Four of Chris' six final wins against Martina came on clay: 1985 French, 1986 French, 1987 Houston, 1988 Houston. All were close matches except for the 1988 Houston final (6-0,6-4). At that stage Evert used all of her experience and patience to outlast Martina. Who I think knew deep down it was going to be far more difficult to beat Chris on clay if she wasn't 100% ready to do so.

Two points the first of which I have already made before. I think those two '84 victories, which were back to back, were absolutely mental. As you note she was playing strong right up to those matches. It was as though Evert had to reach rock bottom in confidence vs Martina, before she could climb her way out of that long streak, which in fact she did,step by step in the next four matches directly after those defeats. That means losses in her cathedral. The Evert we know, never showed up in those two finals. There is zero logic to Martina getting BETTER scores on clay, in those matches, than on the ones preceding and following except a totally defeatist approach, by Evert. its not that Evert didn't try and try hard, but the fighting spirit and belief was comatose. You take out those '84 losses within two months of each other, and you are left with only 1 victory by Martina on clay.

next point that you bring bring to mind. How often have you ever seen Evert physically tire more than her opponent in a tennis match? Considering the kind of tennis she plays, it was exceedingly rare even before the fitness craze martina led her to, in the mid eighties. I saw it once in a final vs Evonne in the 70's, once in the 85' Rg final vs superfit Martina, which she willed to victory anyway and many times in '89, but otherwise, she inevitably was as fresh or fresher than her opponent whether she was running track as often as others or not.

I think two factors explain. Evert was very 'motion efficient' on court both during and between points. No wasted energy on emotional crap, either positive or negative, just a deliberative walk to her destination. Her stroke production and footwork had very little wasted motion and she had a well deserved reputation for stretching opponents a little further side to side, and up and down than they managed to stretch her. Evert made a conscious effort to tire opponets out midway in the second set and it often paid dividends in the third.

Second, nothing like growing up playing on clay in the hot, humid climate of Fort lauderdale to make one immune to heat and sweat. I never saw Evert cramp and rarely seem more out of breath than her opponent and that includes matches in the 70's where she appeared to be less in shape than her opponents

 

[BTURNER]

bump, just cause some people forget these days

 

[PDJ]

Of the people who had multiple victories over Evert, only Richey had 3 in a row. And only Goolagong-Cawley and Navratilova two in a row.
And I agree had Navratilova not avoided, or beaten prior to meeting Evert on clay, that H2H would likely be very different.

 

[Rabbit]

I remember a pro telling me about one of the drills that Evert's father made her do on a regular basis on HarTru. Evert's hitting partner was a male pro, kind of like today. He stood on either the deuce or ad side behind the baseline. He could hit into the entire court on Evert's side. Her replies had to be back to him and between the service line and baseline without going into the other court or doubles alley. She had to hit 100 in a row. She was allowed 3 misses. If she missed a 4th, the count went back to zero. The male pro, of course, could miss. He'd just feed a new ball in.

The guy telling me this said that it was amazing. If Evert missed her 4th ball, she didn't throw a fit, she didn't roll her eyes, she didn't do anything but walk back to the baseline and get in her ready stance. Her ability to put misses behind her was hands down better than anyone I've ever seen.

 

[suwanee4712]

Kudos to Maleeva for beating Chris twice on clay and taking several other sets. I also thought Gaby's only two sets won both being 6-1 sets was interesting, yet no wins.

I enjoyed reading back through this thread. It reminds me that clay not only exposes weaknesses, but can also accentuate what a player does really well. For instance, neither Martina nor Evonne were at their happiest on a clay court, yet it showcased each player's ability to move so beautifully.

 

[BTURNER]

Kudos to Maleeva for beating Chris twice on clay and taking several other sets. I also thought Gaby's only two sets won both being 6-1 sets was interesting, yet no wins.

I enjoyed reading back through this thread. It reminds me that clay not only exposes weaknesses, but can also accentuate what a player does really well. For instance, neither Martina nor Evonne were at their happiest on a clay court, yet it showcased each player's ability to move so beautifully.

The Gabby scores can be explained. When she was young she had incredible focus at the beginnings of matches. She was bold, consistent and her strokes had so much spin they were difficult to gauge. Evert said they were unlike anyone else's on the tour. She could not even find a hitting partner to duplicate the work Sabatini put on them The bounce tended to push Evert so far back she found it difficult to attack, and then those severe angles Gabby could create with that spin dropping almost inside the service line drove Evert way off the court. There was no wing Chris could pick on because the backhand was as powerful as the Sabatini forehand.

After a set or so,after Chris got her timing on them, she began to problem solve, try catch those heavy strokes more on the rise and either cut under her strokes or drive through them, instead of waiting for the ball to drop. Sabatini began to mishit more, or her length would become suspect. Once Chris got her teeth in the match, Sabatini was doomed and exhausted through half of 1987, when Gabriella found her full adult strength and Evert seemed to lose her concentration and stamina edge.

I far preferred watching Evert play Sabatini to Graf. You saw more variety and tactics in those matches, than you did in a Graf/Evert match. Both women were willing to come into the net, both had superb passing shots , and both liked to employ the drop and counterdrop and had fine anticipation skills . But the strokes and sense of strategy could not have been more opposite.

 

[suwanee4712]

Agreed. Watching an Evert/Sabatini match was usually more interesting to me than Graf/Sabatini because it was more of a tactical match with great variety.

I remember Mary Carillo repeating what Chris said to her during a changeover at the 85 Amelia Island match. Chris asked Mary, "What does she (Gaby) think this is? The Wimbledon final?"

 

[PDJ]

Agreed. Watching an Evert/Sabatini match was usually more interesting to me than Graf/Sabatini because it was more of a tactical match with great variety.

I remember Mary Carillo repeating what Chris said to her during a changeover at the 85 Amelia Island match. Chris asked Mary, "What does she (Gaby) think this is? The Wimbledon final?"

That's telling: Evert, more than most, treated every match as if it were important (hence her incredible stats). Sabatini must have got under her skin!

 

[Deleted member 735320]

It is amazing that the 3 Navratilova wins over Evert were shockinlgy one sided. Chris hardly ever lost to anyone on any surface very badly. The Navratilova clay win scores were:

1984 Amelia Island 6-2,6-0
1984 Paris 6-3,6-1
1987 Paris (SF) 6-2,6-2

Those are beatings Chris inflicted on her chief rivals.

The Amelia island one was a shocker because it was Chris' first ever loss to Martina on clay and her first ever loss at Amelia Island. Also, Chris played well up until the final of that event. Martina was in the midst of her 74 match winning streak, but was really tested in that event, lucky to survive a thrilling match with Hana in the semis, 6-4 in the 3rd. I think Chris went into that match with little confidence, and once Martina got on top, quickly conceded.

The French final was pretty much a repeat of Amelia Island. And stunning that Chris did not win a single point on her own serve in the second set of that match!

The 1987 French semis was just one of those days for Chris - and not a good one. Even though Martina struggled in 1987 (hadn't won a tournament to that point) she played very well at the French, and nearly beat Graf in the finals.

==

It is quite interesting that there was a 6 year gap between Martina and Chris playing on clay. Granted from 1976-1978, both played WTT so that nixed the European clay swing. Martina lost early in the FCC in 1976 and 1978, denying two clay opportunities. And Martina lost 1R at 1976 Forest Hills. It would have been an interesting match in 1977 if Martina beat Turnbull in the semis. I think Chris would have won, but Martina was beginning to get her act together.

Of course, Martina avoided Chris on clay in 1979 and 1980 - not playing the European clay court tournaments. Martina played FCC in 1979 when Chris was off getting married. And she played Amelia Island in 1980 when Chris was having her little sabbatical. If Evert and Navratilova had met on clay any time between 1976-1980 their overall H2H record would be a lot closer, if not in Evert's favor.

They also did not meet on clay in 1983, which is a pity. Martina was unbeatable that year except for her loss to Horvath at the French. Chris was undefeated on clay in 1982-1983, except for the 2 losses to Jaeger at the FCC and French, when Martina beat Jaeger. A 1982 French final was a match I wish had occurred. The 1983 French final would have likely gone to Martina. Chris wasn't at her best in that event. She had no problem with Jausovec, because Mima, despite being a very good clay courter, couldn't really hurt her.

Four of Chris' six final wins against Martina came on clay: 1985 French, 1986 French, 1987 Houston, 1988 Houston. All were close matches except for the 1988 Houston final (6-0,6-4). At that stage Evert used all of her experience and patience to outlast Martina. Who I think knew deep down it was going to be far more difficult to beat Chris on clay if she wasn't 100% ready to do so.

I would imagine that revenge played a factor in the 1984 Amelia Island match. Talk about a turn around from 3 years earlier. Clearly Martina had the edge as it had been more than 15 months since Chris beat her and only managed 2 sets in that period.

 

[BTURNER]

That's telling: Evert, more than most, treated every match as if it were important (hence her incredible stats). Sabatini must have got under her skin!

That tournament introduced young Gabby to the world. She had beaten several players including Maleeva in long matches over two days and refused an extra rest day before the final . I think this was a very high compliment Chris was giving this newbie about her almost unprecedented effort in such an exhausted state, in a tournament that might have produced a lesser effort in a more jaded player. If you think about it, Sabatini could easily have kept Chris hanging around in town another day waiting for the final, with the offer the Umpire made for an extra days rest. It was an expression not of frustration, but of real sincere praise and appreciation at a champions heart in a young girl who did not inconvenience her.

 

[jrepac]

I would imagine that revenge played a factor in the 1984 Amelia Island match. Talk about a turn around from 3 years earlier. Clearly Martina had the edge as it had been more than 15 months since Chris beat her and only managed 2 sets in that period.

Certainly a grudge match. Having seen both, the '84 match was very startling. Martina was ridiculously dominant on Evert's best surface. This, and the FO final, were 2 of the last matches where Chris used her wood frame. By Wimbledon, she switched to the new Pro-Staff, which suited her well. From there, she was gradually getting better against Martina....finally winning again, I think in early '85? In LA, if I am not mistaken. '87 FO, I always felt was an aberration. Chris's head wasn't in that one. And, while '85 FO was a nail biter, I think she played a better match in '86.

 

[Deleted member 735320]

Certainly a grudge match. Having seen both, the '84 match was very startling. Martina was ridiculously dominant on Evert's best surface. This, and the FO final, were 2 of the last matches where Chris used her wood frame. By Wimbledon, she switched to the new Pro-Staff, which suited her well. From there, she was gradually getting better against Martina....finally winning again, I think in early '85? In LA, if I am not mistaken. '87 FO, I always felt was an aberration. Chris's head wasn't in that one. And, while '85 FO was a nail biter, I think she played a better match in '86.

I believe the year end championships in Madison Square Garden(2/28 to 3/4/1984) was the first time Evert used the graphite. This was a few months earlier and both clay losses in 1984 were with the Pro Staff in hand.

 

[jrepac]

I believe the year end championships in Madison Square Garden(2/28 to 3/4/1984) was the first time Evert used the graphite. This was a few months earlier and both clay losses in 1984 were with the Pro Staff in hand.

A quick visit to You Tube reveals you are right! For some reason, I thought she made the switch at '84 Wimbledon! but it was in her hands at the FO, clearly. I do think she started playing a bit better against M starting with the Wimbledon final, which was a far more respectable loss than the FO.

 

[Verbal Volley]

Okay BTurner, you made me pull out some Evert clay matches, including one of my faves, the 87 Houston win over Martina 7-6 in the 3rd. When Chris is in command on a clay court, it's both masterful and a thing of beauty.

Others that I love watching:

82 Amelia F vs. Jaeger
82 Palm Beach Gardens vs. Goolagong
86 French SF vs. Mandlikova and F vs. Martina

I hate the lopsided result of the 86 French SF, but when Hana fell and reinjured her hand, Chris was very sweet. She walked around the net and put her arm around Hana. No one was going to beat Chris that day under any circumstances. The way she played that day and in the last 2 sets of the final, I consider that to be vintage Chrissie Clay Court Tennis.

Queen of Paris, Countess of Clay, Heroine of Har Tru!

The Palm Beach match against Evonne was incredible to see. They played for two hours in the sweltering heat. Both players were sweating profusely. It was a match for the ages.

 

[BTURNER]

The Palm Beach match against Evonne was incredible to see. They played for two hours in the sweltering heat. Both players were sweating profusely. It was a match for the ages.

I have watched several of their matches when Evonne is playing at her best. You know how she gets, brings out every shot in her illustrious repertoire and nobody can find a pattern to anticipate because Evonne does not think in patterns. Chris feels challenged to show her versatility, be less predictable herself. You will see Evert trying things she does not normally bring out of her practice sessions or doubles play. I think part of the reason is Evonne's speed and movement mean that Evonne' defense can frustrate Chris normal ground game

If Evonne is not threatening her, its the same old classic percentage play because keeping the ball deep steady and close to the lines is enough to make Evonne's low percentage patterns her personal payday. That Palm Beach match was one of their better. Evonne lost her intensity in the third.